Castell Taliorum

Castell Taliorum is the name given to two separate structures adjacent to St Illtyd’s church on the hills above the Ebbw. First is a large motte which sits adjacent to a farmyard and is clearly visible from the road. Traces of the boundary ditch can be seen, but any bailey evidence is now lost. Second is a low platform forming a private garden which can not be seen save as glimpses through the hedge from the footpath to the church. Excavations about a century ago showed that two towers were built here, one a round keep with a central supporting pillar, the other an elaborate cross-shaped tower. Satellite images seem to suggest that the remains of the round tower-keep remain above ground, and that the cruciform tower sits at the junction of the garden with the burial ground. It is not known whether these were contemporary with each other, the motte or the church.